Hey y'all.....so I'm 17 and I grew up in church and two and a half years ago I had really bad anxiety and my parents separated and it brought me closer to God. Now I feel awkward with my friends even if they are also Christians because I am really deep and hear God's voice often. They don't understand me anymore and I just got home from a youth retreat and I felt soooooo out of place.
Has anyone else experiance the same thing at a young age? I just feel like God, my mom and my old Sunday school teacher and a few pastors are the only people who understand me now.
I'm in college and only have one friend who is also in college because all of my other friends are in high school, so that makes it even harder to feel like I belong because my church doesn't have a college group anymore.

rockin the curls God gave me.

Routine!
Shampoo n/a
Conditioner Vo5 Moisture Milks
Leave in Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Shower, comb, apply leave in and mousse in wet hair then scrunch out the water and sometimes.
Second day, Wake up mist with water and smooth Shea Moisture Curl enhancing smoothie over hair

I befriend people regardless of their faith. I don't think it's healthy to close yourself off like that.

Why is it awkard to interact with people who don't share your spiritual views? Do you bring the subject up a lot? Because that will put people off. I'm sure you can find other common interests, and save that part of your life for the right crowd.

I know exactly the way that you are feeling. When I was in high school many years ago, I had the same thing happen. Even if your friends don't understand it, that doesn't mean you can't still be friends and hang out - unless you need to avoid situations like parties or movies that you don't want to be a part of. Not sure what your views are on those, or what your exact situation is.

Have you thought about starting your own group? Or how about searching for a group elsewhere? Is there one at your college? As I get older, I realize I have to be proactive with different things, because nothing will fall into your lap anymore as an adult. It's sad when you feel like nobody understands you, but this is when you search to find people that do.

Just remember not to get so caught up in religion that you forget the people who have cared about you for so long. Have your beliefs, stick to them, and have some fun with people you enjoy being around!

There should be no need to feel or be isolated. I believe, and my best friend of over 20 years is atheist. We rarely talk religion but when we do, we can knock each other around a bit and laugh about it. It's playful, and we have had a great deal of time to develop a large comfort zone with each other. I completely respect his freedom to believe or not believe in whatever he chooses, and respects mine. That is a freedom of choice we both know that we are incredibly lucky have, and something we firmly believe people should not be isolated or condoned for. That lesson should have been learned by many more, long ago, but one that is hard for many of different faiths or pov's to let go of.

I understand how you feel.
Recently at my last church service the preacher talked about connecting to people. He talked about how churches usually always focus on the "insiders" which doesn't leave much room from "outsiders" to feel comfortable enough to join in and grow. But the outlook shouldn't be focused on just the "insiders" or even just the "outsiders." You have to have both and your going to deal with all sorts of people all through life.
My point is, you just have to find your own personal balance between the two. Just because someone doesn't have identical beliefs doesn't mean you won't have things in common. Also perhaps your gift of deeper awareness is for the purpose of sharing and helping others. Volunteering or becoming involved in something with a cause could be a great way to find balance and meet people without solely being involved with those at your church. Maybe you could try going to other churches' events occasionally. Sometimes its hard to look past ourselves but when you do so many doors can open up.

It's gotten better. I still go to the high school group because I love my friends and I now teach the preschool-3rd grade Sunday school class. Some of the adults have noticed I was feeling out of place and have helped me find my own place in the church I feel better giving back to my church.

I don't only befriend people with the same beliefs but it's just easier for me to be comfortable with someone because so much of my free time I spend at church events or helping out at church. My church family has a major role in my daily life.

It's gotten better. I still go to the high school group because I love my friends and I now teach the preschool-3rd grade Sunday school class. Some of the adults have noticed I was feeling out of place and have helped me find my own place in the church I feel better giving back to my church.

I don't only befriend people with the same beliefs but it's just easier for me to be comfortable with someone because so much of my free time I spend at church events or helping out at church. My church family has a major role in my daily life.

Originally Posted by crazycurlychick

That's great to hear!

I do understand how it can be awkward to socialize w/ ppl who don't share your beliefs. It's not a self righteous thing but more like a language barrier...or feeling you need a life preserver, even.

My daughter is in third grade and she really looks fwd to Sunday school. So good for you.